Injured On a Boat or Offshore Platform? Our Houston Maritime Injury Lawyers Can Help.

Last updated on July 2, 2026

When accidents occur in a maritime environment, workers often struggle with ensuing legal questions. Does it matter whether I was injured on a ship, lifeboat, jack-up rig, semisubmersible, offshore platform or on a maritime loading dock?  Is my employer responsible to pay for my medical treatment?  How do I ensure that no one else is injured in the same type of accident?  How can I provide for my family if I am unable to work? A maritime injury lawyer can help you answer these questions, and more.

The attorneys of Spagnoletti Law Firm provide their legal experience and knowledge to assist clients facing a broad range of legal issues involving maritime law, the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and international laws and treaties relating to ships and ships’ crews and passengers. Maritime law is a core component of our business, and we handle all types of maritime and offshore claims, including:

• Jones Act claims: We represent injured or killed seamen, ensuring that they receive the compensation due to them by law.
• Injured maritime workers: We represent workers injured in the offshore exploration or production business.
• Injured platform workers: We represent offshore workers injured in work on offshore platforms.
• Injured longshore and dock workers: We represent workers injured at ports and docks while helping to load and unload ships.
• Recreational boating accidents: These include drunk boating accidents or collisions between the recreational boat and commercial or fishing vessels.
• Passenger claims on cruise ships: We represent passengers injured while on cruise ships, including slip and falls, recreation-related injuries and injuries arising from crew negligence.
• Penalty wage claims on behalf of seamen: We ensure that seamen are compensated for the late payment of their wages.
• Injured workers on cruise ships: Our experienced attorneys help injured cruise ship workers obtain compensation for their injuries.
• Cargo vessel accidents: We fight for compensation for cargo ship workers injured by another’s negligence.

Our experienced maritime attorneys provide legal assistance to workers who have been injured all over the world.

Who Qualifies Under For A Maritime Injury Claim Under The 30% Rule?

Not every offshore or water-based worker qualifies for protection under the Jones Act. One of the most important standards courts use is known as the 30 percent rule. This rule helps determine whether a worker can legally be considered a seaman.

This means a worker must spend at least 30% of their time working on a vessel that is in navigation. This time does not need to be continuous, but it must be a regular and substantial part of the job. Several factors are reviewed when applying this rule:

• The total amount of time spent working aboard a vessel versus on land
• Whether the work contributes to the vessel’s function or mission
• The consistency of vessel-based duties over time

This threshold exists to separate land-based workers from those who face the unique risks of maritime employment. If a worker meets this requirement, they may gain access to stronger legal protections and compensation options under maritime law.

Because employers may dispute whether this percentage is met, it becomes critical to document job duties clearly. We can help gather work records, testimony and other evidence to establish eligibility and protect a worker’s right to recovery.

What Does Maintenance And Cure Cover After A Maritime Injury?

Maintenance and cure is a long-standing legal doctrine that protects injured seamen, regardless of fault. It requires an employer to provide financial and medical support when a worker is hurt while serving a vessel.

Maintenance is daily living expenses, while cure covers necessary medical treatment. These benefits apply even if the injury was not caused by employer negligence. Maintenance and cure includes:

• Payment for basic living costs such as housing and food
• Coverage of medical care, including hospital visits, medication and rehabilitation
• Ongoing support until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement

This obligation continues until a doctor determines that the worker’s condition will not improve further. At that point, payments may stop, even if the individual has not fully recovered.

Employers sometimes attempt to delay, reduce or deny these benefits. They may argue that the injury is unrelated to work or that treatment is no longer necessary. When that happens, legal support becomes essential to enforce these rights.

How Long Do You Have To File A Maritime Injury Claim?

Timing is critical in maritime injury cases. In most situations, injured workers have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim under maritime law. While three years may seem like a long window, delays can quickly create problems. 

Evidence may disappear, witnesses may become unavailable and documentation may become harder to obtain. Important timing considerations include:

• The official start date, which is usually the date of injury or when the condition was discovered
• The need to gather medical records and employment documentation early
• The risk of losing legal rights entirely if the deadline is missed

We can help track deadlines, prepare filings correctly and make sure that no critical steps are missed.

What Counts As A Vessel Under Maritime Law?

Under maritime law, a vessel is any structure that is capable of being used for transportation on water. This definition includes more than traditional ships or boats. Courts look at whether the structure is practically capable of movement and whether it operates on navigable waters.

Common examples of qualifying vessels include:

• Cargo ships, tankers and fishing boats
• Barges, including those used in construction or transport
• Jack-up rigs that can be moved and positioned offshore
• Floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs)
• Tugboats and supply vessels supporting offshore operations

Even structures that appear stationary may still qualify if they can be relocated and serve a maritime purpose. On the other hand, permanently fixed platforms are usually not considered vessels.

Determining whether a structure qualifies can directly impact a worker’s legal rights. If a worker is assigned to a qualifying vessel, they may be eligible for Jones Act protections and additional remedies.

Why Does Having A Houston-Based Maritime Attorney Matter?

Houston is one of the most significant maritime and offshore industry hubs in the United States. With its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its concentration of energy companies, it plays a central role in maritime operations.

For injured workers, having legal representation based in Houston offers several practical advantages. Local attorneys are familiar with the courts, judges and industry practices that shape maritime cases in Texas.

Key benefits of working with a Houston-based attorney include:

• Experience handling claims tied to Gulf Coast operations
• Access to local experts, investigators and medical professionals
• Familiarity with regional employers and their legal strategies

While maritime law is federal, local knowledge can still influence how a case is handled and resolved. This is especially true when dealing with Texas-based companies or incidents that occur near Houston ports and offshore sites.

At the same time, maritime cases are not limited by state lines. A qualified attorney in Houston can represent clients from across the country, particularly those injured while working in or around Texas waters. 

Hire A Maritime Injury Lawyer To Aggressively Pursue Justice

The lawyers of Spagnoletti Law Firm have represented countless individuals who have been injured in a maritime setting and are experienced trial attorneys. In addition, we provide legal services involving injuries on deep-water and shallow-water oil and gas rigs.

To schedule an initial consultation with a maritime injury lawyer about your legal needs, please contact us online or call our Houston office at 713-804-9306.